“Determined, brilliant, and formidable.” His eyes met mine, sincere and warm. “Don’t diminish yourself, Cyrene.”
The castle bell began to toll, marking the hour.
Kieran’s expression shifted. “The council meeting. I forgot.” He glanced at the window, checking the position of the sun. “It started an hour ago.”
“You should go.” Though I didn’t want to break the moment between us.
He hesitated. “Come with me?”
“Like this?” I gestured at my dust-covered clothes.
“They need the occasional surprise.” His smile turned mischievous. “Besides, I want you there. After what happened today, it’s clear someone in the castle has been working against you. I need to know who and why.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic. “Give me two minutes to make myself somewhat presentable.”
I quickly washed my face and hands in the basin, smoothed my hair, and brushed the worst of the dirt from my gown. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to do.
Quandary settled on my shoulder.Don’t forget me. I want to see their faces when you tell them what happened.
We made our way to the council chamber. As we approached, I could hear raised voices through the heavy oak doors.
“Sounds pleasant,” I said.
Kieran’s expression hardened. He pushed open the doors without knocking.
The council chamber fell silent as we entered. A dozen faces turned toward us, Kieran’s advisors, plus several nobles I recognized from court functions. Lady Aragorn looked particularly smug.
“Your Majesty,” Lord Brightworthy said, rising from his seat. “We were not expecting you to join us.”
“Clearly,” Kieran said dryly. “Since you started without me.”
“Urgent matters required discussion,” Lord Rathley said, his eyes flicking to me with barelyconcealed disdain. “And we were told you were indisposed.”
“By whom?”
No one answered.
I noticed several of the council members eyeing our disheveled appearance with raised eyebrows and thinly veiled speculation. One whispered something to her neighbor, who smirked in response.
We should’ve taken time to change before coming here. I should’ve realized that we’d be judged before we had a chance to explain. And with the way the nobles and advisors were looking at us, I wasn’t sure I wanted to tell them what happened. One or all of them could easily be involved.
From the sharp look Kieran sent me, he must agree.
Kieran strode to his place at the head of the table, his presence commanding attention despite his torn clothing. “What urgent matters have you been discussing in my absence?”
Lord Rathley cleared his throat. “The matter of your relationship with the joy witch, Your Majesty.”
My stomach clenched. I remained by the door, feeling like an intruder.
“What about myqueen?” Kieran said with dangerous calm.
“There are concerns among the nobility,” Lady Isolde said. “About your relationship.”
“We have a few weeks before this is a concern,” Kieran growled. “We were given thirty days.”
“This affects the stability of the kingdom,” Lord Rathley said stiffly. “Rumors are spreading. The people are confused and need assurance.”
Lord Brightworthy spoke up again. “I…” He shook his head and sent me a look of sympathy. “We’ve reached a consensus, Your Majesty. To quell the rumors and demonstrate the legitimacy of Lady Cyrene’s position here.”
